It’s so crazy to think it’s been almost 5 months since I started my travel blog! I was reflecting on my journey so far, how far I’ve come and how far I still want to go. If you’re here, reading this, THANK YOU!! Thank you for all the support and feedback so far; it’s a big motivator that keeps me going.

I’ll be sharing the motivating reasons and existing factors that allowed me to start a travel blog in the first place. If you’ve been wanting to start your own travel blog, this is your sign! You can check out all my tips on how to start your own. 

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1. I read "The 4-Hour Workweek"

I am not kidding when I say I think this book changed my life. I moved back to LA in December and with the new year coming up, I got on a really big self-improvement kick. I was reading all sorts of books but The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss just resonated so much.

The book discusses challenging the way society traditionally operates when it comes to work and life. If you’re feeling burnt out or like you need some clarity when it comes to work, definitely get your own copy here. Ferriss does a really good job forcing you to reconsider your priorities and how you balance between work and personal life.

2. I felt that I had something of value to share with others

I think the travel bug got me in 2019, when my sister and I went to Croatia for 3 weeks. That was my first time in Europe, and ever since then I just want to go literally everywhere! Especially once the world reopened after Covid, I really felt a renewed energy to travel as much as I can.

As a result, I have been to 14 countries so far over the last 4 years, with many more on my bucket list. I have so many photos, videos and stories to share! I also get to connect with so many similar people who motivate me to keep going and show me new spots to check out.

Initially I saw a lot of travel blogs out there of people who have quit their jobs, and wanted more inspiration for someone like me: an avid traveler with a corporate job. So, I figured what better way than to share my own experiences traveling while working a corporate job to hopefully inspire at least one other person?

3. I had better work/life balance at my new corporate job

If you don’t know, I used to work in public accounting at a Big 4 accounting firm. I loved my teams and the role, but unfortunately got really overwhelmed with the hours and felt burnt out. In September 2022, I left for a new accounting role with better work/life balance.

As funny as this will sound, I truly didn’t know what to do with all my newfound free time. I had gotten used to working long hours during busy seasons and always feeling like I was “on call.” Plus, most of my current team works on the east coast, so I was getting off work even earlier than I was used to.

I decided to capitalize on all of this free time and put it towards something I am really passionate about: travel!

4. I wanted an excuse to travel more

Okay so this has inadvertently happened…but if nothing else, my blog has inspired ME to travel a lot more. By having something to hold me accountable, I’ve found myself proactively making time to travel and really prioritizing seeing new places.

One of my favorite quotes by Jim Rohn is, “If you really want to do something, you’ll find a way. If you don’t, you’ll find an excuse.” It’s pretty cool to watch all the pieces fall into place when I started aligning my life with my values and what I want to get out of life.

Interested in starting your own travel blog? Check out my mini guide to starting your own! And be sure to follow along on my journey on Instagram!

💙mariss